Hyundai chose to name its European version of the i30 as the Elantra GT for the U.S. market. In 2015, the Korean carmaker introduced an updated version at the Chicago Auto Show.

Hyundai unveiled the second generation of the i30 at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. In the following year, at the Chicago Auto Show, the Korean carmaker showed the U.S. version named Elantra GT. It was a strategic policy since the Elantra was already an established nameplate on American soil. After three years, the Korean carmaker introduced the facelifted version for its compact hatchback in the same location.

The new version featured a big, tall grille at the front, mostly found on bigger cars. Even though the headlights from the facelifted model looked very similar to those found on the 2012 model, they were not the same. Also, the fog-lights were completely different. The vehicles were virtually the same in the rear, except that the facelifted version was available with LED taillights.

Inside, Hyundai improved the cabin with new materials and a new infotainment unit. The instrument cluster featured a new TFT display instead of the older, LCD-based one. The Korean carmaker installed a new feature named Driver Selectable Steering mode for the steering wheel, and it offered three settings: Comfort, Normal, and Sport. While the first was good for parking maneuvers, the latter offered a stiffened response, good for spirited driving conditions.

Under the hood, Hyundai offered one engine choice mated as standard to a 6-speed manual, while a 6-speed automatic was on the options list.